the RT brake line went in smooth as silk.FUSELAGE August, 2009
In order to run the engine under load, I needed to get the prop installed and the tail remounted, so I can install the rudder and then the brakes. I don't want to run the engine with a prop unless I have working brakes. This page is about the brakes.
Aug 19 - continuing to search for the 2 AN fittings to go on the brake calipers. I'd searched hangar a couple times, and searched the garage last night. They've been kicking around a long time, and now they're nowhere to be found. I waste WAY too much time looking for stuff. Cleaned workbench and searched more for AN fittings. Finally gave up and ordered 2 new AN823-4D elbows from ACS for the brake calipers. 1.5 hr
Aug 25 - received my two new AN823-4D elbows from ACS for the brake calipers over the weekend. I had originally bought the AN823 45 degree fittings so I could install them on the calipers without having to remove the calipers. Somehow I'd gotten it into my head that I had to remove the tires and a bunch of torqued & safetied bolts to get the calipers off to install the fittings. There isn't enough room to screw the fittings on while the calipers are mounted. But then, after spending all the time searching for the AN823 45s and then ordering more from ACS, I decided the 45s might give me trouble with fit on the fairings, so I decided to jack the plane and remove the wheels to get the calipers off. After doing one side, I realized all I needed to do was remove 2 safetied bolts on each caliper, so I did that. Installed the proper 90 degree AN822-4D elbows onto the calipers. Re-torqued and safetied all the caliper hardware. 1.5 hr
Aug 26 - installed RT brake line. Even though it's been years since I did any of that sort of work, it all went very smoothly, which was nice for a change. 1.0 hr
the RT brake line went in smooth as silk.
Aug 27 - installed LT brake line quickly & easily. That 1/4" brake line sure is a lot easier to work with than the 3/8" stuff was for the fuel control valve. Spent another hour cleaning up tools & workbench and looking into getting the brake fluid I'm now ready to add. The construction manual says I must not use automotive brake, but instead "use only the aircraft brake fluid recommended by the manufacturer". But they don't say what this fluid is. I posted this question on a couple RV lists. Consensus and further research from tips from the RV lists revealed that the standard fluid is MIL-H-5606, but that MIL-H-83282 is better, with a much higher flash point. However, apparently no one sells MIL-H-83282 by the quart, so I ordered a gallon from ACI Lubes. I'll bet ordinary ATF would work just as well, but who wants to take a chance? 2.0 hr
Aug 28 - emails on the Matronics RV list continue to recommend 83282 over the old 5606. Even though I'd already ordered my gallon last night, someone reported that "Skygeek has Royco 782 for $8.14 a quart"
http://www.skygeek.com/royco-782-synthetic-fire-resistant-hydraulic-fluid.html
I guess I shouldn't have been so quick to order the gallon. Oh well.
Aug 31 - people on the RV lists continue to discuss my brake fluid question. Several flying RV owners report they use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF with no problems. At least 2 other flying RV owners said they use ordinary Dextron 3 ATF and it works fine, as I suspected it would. Too late for me, as I already ordered my gallon of 83282, but good to know & perhaps will help someone else reading this.
go to September fuselage
BACK TO MY RV BUILDER'S HOME
BACK TO BRIAN'S HOME